thyrotropin-releasing hormone n a tripeptide hormone synthesized in the hypothalamus that stimulates secretion of thyroid-stimulating hormone by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland abbr. TRH called also protirelin, thyrotropin-releasing factor
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(TRH) a tripeptide hormone, elaborated by the median eminence of the hypothalamus, which stimulates release of thyrotropin from the adenohypophysis. In human subjects, it can also promote a prolactin-releasing factor. It is used in diagnosis of mild hyperthyroidism and Graves disease, and in differentiating among primary, secondary, and tertiary hypothyroidism. Called also thyroliberin. A synthetic preparation is called protirelin.Medical dictionary. 2011.